Oleksiuk Vasyl, PhD in Economics, NGO “New Energy”

ORCID ID: 0009-0007-2602-0690
e-mail: v.m.oleksyuk@gmail.com

Green Energy as a Tool for Resilience and Recovery of Ukraine During the War and in the Post-War Period

Abstract. Introduction. The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused unprecedented destruction to the country’s energy infrastructure, disrupting electricity supply chains, damaging centralized power systems, and exposing the inherent vulnerability of conventional energy models in the face of modern hybrid warfare. In this context, energy resilience becomes one of the key priorities for Ukraine’s survival and recovery. The war has made it clear that Ukraine must shift its strategic focus from centralized, fossil-fuel-dependent systems to decentralized, renewable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions. Green energy – solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower – offers significant advantages for both short-term survival and long-term post-war development. The intensifying global climate crisis and the rising cost of conventional fuels further reinforce the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy systems that not only ensure energy security but also contribute to Ukraine’s integration into the European Green Deal and global sustainable development frameworks.
This transition is not merely a response to destruction but an opportunity to rebuild Ukraine on a new foundation: one based on decarbonization, democratization of energy access, and innovative green technologies. As Ukraine enters the phase of post-war recovery, the government, civil society, and international partners must work in coordination to develop and implement energy strategies that will contribute to economic revitalization, social cohesion, environmental regeneration, and global climate goals. Learning from international experiences while relying on domestic resources and capacities will be critical in achieving these objectives.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the strategic role green energy can play in enhancing Ukraine’s resilience during wartime and accelerating sustainable development during the post-war recovery period. Specifically, the article aims to (1) examine the current state of renewable energy development in Ukraine, (2) identify key challenges faced by the sector due to the war, (3) analyze policy responses and legislative developments, (4) explore best practices from international post-conflict reconstruction efforts, and (5) outline strategic directions for green energy integration into Ukraine’s national recovery framework.
The article also aims to demonstrate that renewable energy is not only a technological solution but also a socio-political and economic catalyst for change. It highlights how green energy can strengthen local governance, empower communities, reduce dependency on energy imports, and align Ukraine’s development with global sustainability trends. Furthermore, the paper provides recommendations for creating a favorable investment climate, expanding decentralized energy systems, and ensuring policy coherence between national goals and international environmental commitments.

Results. The findings of the study confirm that Ukraine’s energy system has suffered extensive damage since the start of the war, with over 50% of its infrastructure affected. Many solar and wind facilities were destroyed, occupied, or disconnected, especially in southern and eastern regions. However, several projects – such as the restored Trifonivska Solar Power Plant (10 MW) and the operational phase of the Tiligulska Wind Farm (114 MW) – demonstrate that renewable energy can be quickly restored and scaled even under wartime conditions. These decentralized systems have proven vital in supplying electricity to essential services, including hospitals, water treatment plants, and municipal infrastructure.
In addition, the article outlines key mechanisms that can facilitate the recovery and expansion of green energy in Ukraine. These include (1) contracts for difference (CFDs), which reduce market risks for producers by guaranteeing price stability; (2) the Net Billing mechanism, which allows small-scale producers to sell surplus energy back to the grid; and (3) origin certificates, which confirm the environmental value of renewable electricity and improve access to EU markets. International examples – from Germany’s feed-in tariff system to Japan’s microgrids – are analyzed to demonstrate practical applications that can be adapted to the Ukrainian context.
Moreover, the paper presents five practical Ukrainian case studies where renewable energy played a critical role in ensuring local resilience. These include household solar installations in Lviv region, a biomass-powered thermal station in Zhytomyr region, and a backup microgrid at a hospital in Chernivtsi. These projects not only provide energy but also generate economic savings, create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen local capacities. The cumulative effect of these projects illustrates how green energy can be a cornerstone of a decentralized, inclusive, and future-oriented recovery process.

Conclusions. The research concludes that green energy has the potential to become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s war-time resilience and post-war transformation. The decentralized nature of renewable energy systems makes them more resistant to attacks and blackouts, while their clean and sustainable characteristics contribute to climate mitigation, environmental health, and public well-being. For Ukraine, which aspires to EU membership and global leadership in sustainability, green energy is not merely a policy choice – it is a necessity and an opportunity.
Moving forward, Ukraine must prioritize (1) stable regulatory frameworks, (2) access to green financing, (3) integration with EU climate and energy policies, and (4) the development of local expertise and technologies. Active involvement of municipalities, businesses, and households will be crucial for building energy democracy and ensuring the long-term success of the transition. Importantly, investment in renewable energy must be coupled with energy efficiency programs, digital infrastructure, smart grids, and public awareness campaigns.
Ultimately, green energy provides a pathway not only to energy independence but to national renewal. It can drive economic recovery, reduce social inequalities, foster innovation, and make Ukraine more resilient to future crises – both military and environmental. The strategic integration of green energy into Ukraine’s recovery policy is essential for rebuilding a sovereign, secure, and sustainable nation.

Keywords: green energy; resilience; post-war recovery; decentralization; renewable energy sources; Ukraine, sustainability; war impact; reconstruction policy; energy transition; international cooperation.

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